Do Planters Hurt No Maintenance Decking?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

But a word of warning:

those planters can end up damaging your deck if you aren’t careful

. If standing water collects underneath them, it could cause stains, promote mildew and mold growth, and even end up rotting the wood in your deck.

Can you put potted plants on a deck?


Yes, Yes, and Yes, putting planters on your deck is a wonderful idea

. The microenvironment on a deck can be an excellent growing space for plants. There are some risks with planters on decking, like water and fungi but you can put planters on decking. These risks can be minimized allowing you to enjoy your deck plants.

How do I protect my deck from planters?

  1. 1.) Opt for Hanging Planters and Deck Planters. …
  2. 2.) Place Potted Plants on Plant Stands. …
  3. 3.) Elevate Off Surface with Pot Feet or Risers. …
  4. 4.) Frequently Change Your Pot Placement. …
  5. 5.) Keep up with Regular Deck Maintenance.

What do you put under planters on a deck?

Use something called

pot feet

Aliases of pot risers & deck protectors…. These are usually stone, concrete, or pottery and they simply sit under the pot holding it up about an inch from the ground so that drainage holes remain clear and airflow is allowed under the pot.

Can you put plant pots on composite decking?

These planters can be constructed from any wood, but

we’d recommend using composite decking boards to make sure your planters last longer and don’t rot over time

. For a sleek modern look, DeckPlus can create deck planters that match your decking with our range of composite decking materials.

What do you put under outdoor potted plants?


Saucers under plants are shallow dishes used to catch excess water that drains from a container planting

. While growers are sometimes able to find matching pot and saucer sets, it is more common that containers do not come with one, and the saucer must be bought separately.

How do you keep wooden planters from rotting?

  1. Wood preservative. Wood preservatives are always a great option for preventing rot. …
  2. Plastic liners. Plastic liners inside your wooden planters will also help to minimise contact with moisture. …
  3. Plastic inner containers. …
  4. Planter stands. …
  5. Liquid sealants. …
  6. Varnish. …
  7. Fibreglass. …
  8. Waterproof paint.

Do pots need feet?


We recommend that feet are used with all our pots

. They are essential for good drainage, as the excess water needs to freely exit at the base of the pot through the hole. A pot set directly on the ground will also quickly become home to a colony of insects such as woodlice and ants.

Do planter boxes need drainage holes?

The short answer is

yes, all planters should have drainage holes

. There are a few important reasons for this. Drainage holes allow excess water to drain out of the pot. Even plants that thrive in damp conditions don’t like having waterlogged roots.

What plants should I put on my deck?

  • Daylily. One of the hardest working perennials on the planet, daylilies are a must-have plant for any deck-side container. …
  • Salvia. …
  • Juncus. …
  • Coreopsis. …
  • Aster. …
  • Canna. …
  • Alstroemeria. …
  • Sedum.

Where should patio pots be placed?

Place your container

in groups at the corners or near the edge of your patio

. Choose a 4-inch pot for small tables, and a 6-inch pot for the patio table. Suspend hanging baskets on any walls that are adjacent to the patio. Turn empty containers upside-down and set a container of equal size on top to create height.

Where do you put plants on a deck?

How do you keep planters off the ground?

Can you put potted plants on Trex decking?

Trees and shrubs in planters along the sides of your deck are a convenient way of secluding the space. Transform an open deck into a relaxation haven while adding visual flair and stylish outdoor decor.

Evergreen trees like cypress, juniper, and arborvitae can be potted or planted just on the edge of your deck

.

Should I put saucers under pots?

This week’s gardening tips: Unless it’s absolutely necessary,

avoid placing saucers underneath outdoor container plants

. Saucers full of water will keep the soil in the pots too wet, an unhealthy condition for most plants. In addition, saucers full of water provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Do planters need a saucer?

So, why do plant pots need saucers?

Whilst they aren’t necessary, plant pots use saucers to collect the water that drains from your pot

. Without this, it can easily spill onto your carpets, floors and furniture. So after each watering, your saucer will capture the excess water, preventing any spillage in your home.

Should I line wooden planter?

Make sure your wooden planter has drainage holes, so plants don’t become waterlogged. However, if positioning your planter in full sun, you may consider lining the inside of the planter with pieces of old compost bag, to keep the compost moist and reduce the need for regular watering.

Do wood planter boxes rot?


Wooden planter boxes can have weak bottoms that will rot very quickly

, meaning you will need to replace them more often, however, there are things you can do to help prevent them from rotting, and therefore extend their life.

Is pressure treated wood safe for planter boxes?


Yes, the “new” pressure treated wood is safe for use for raised garden frames

… with a few precautions! Up until 2003, the most common preservative used for pressure treated wood was chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a compound using arsenic as its primary rot protectant.

Can you put pots on soil?

Garden soil is too heavy and too “dirty” (you know, replete with weed seeds, bugs and their eggs, bacteria — stuff that you don’t want in your pots), and it may not drain properly in a pot. Instead,

use potting soil (also called potting mix or container mix)

.

Are clay or plastic pots better?

Unlike clay, plastic is non-porous, which means it doesn’t let in or out as much moisture or oxygen. As a result, plastic planters retain moisture for nearly double the time of clay planters. That means if you’re the type that tends to forget to water your plants,

plastic is probably a safer option than clay

.

Can you plant pots in the ground?

A pot in pot garden is a simple idea and one that is easy to construct. Essentially,

you bury containers in the ground and insert other containers with plants in them

. To construct a bed like this, start by choosing the container sizes you’ll use.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.